Image forming apparatus, control method, and control program

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus having a display unit for displaying a program which can be executed in the apparatus so as to be identified is disclosed. The apparatus has: an input unit for inputting a program into the image forming apparatus; a display control unit for controlling a process for displaying select keys including a plurality of select keys to instruct a selection of a desired one of a plurality of programs stored in the image forming apparatus onto a display screen displayed on the display unit; and a discriminating unit for discriminating whether the select key to instruct a selection of the program inputted by the input unit can be further displayed onto the first display screen to display the select keys corresponding to the programs registered in the image forming apparatus in response to the input of the program from the input unit or not.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/357,819, filed Jan. 25, 2012, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/874,671,filed Sep. 2, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,126,349 on Feb. 28,2012, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/103,593, filed Apr. 12, 2005, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,809,298 on Oct. 5, 2010, which is a divisional application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/435,078, filed on May 12, 2003, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,389 on May 24, 2005.

This application also claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2002-143081, filed May 17, 2002, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus having functions ofa printer, a scanner, facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, and thelike, and their hybrid apparatus. The invention also relates to acontrol method and a control program for such an image formingapparatus.

2. Related Background Art

Hitherto, in an image forming apparatus and control for such an imageforming apparatus, it is a main stream that a system is constructed onan execution environment which is realized by a real-time OS that isdifferent from a general OS to be implemented in a PC (personalcomputer), is used for an assembling system, and largely depends on anarchitecture.

As disclosed in JP-A-2001-249814, there has been tried a method wherebyanother execution environment for the assembling system, for example, anexecution environment such as Java (registered trademark) or the like isfurther constructed on the foregoing real-time OS and an applicationmodule having high transplant performance for making simple control of acopying apparatus is downloaded from the outside and implementedalthough it is limitative.

There has also been tried a method whereby a design construction of anoperation panel of a copying apparatus is changed by changing a programfor controlling an operation display screen which is displayed onto atouch panel or the like of the copying apparatus. In the conventionalimage forming apparatus and control method for such an image formingapparatus, a form such that a program which is executed in one of theexecution environments occupies an operation unit is used in terms of aconstruction.

In an operation panel or a display panel provided for the image formingapparatus such as copying apparatus, printer, or the like, an effectivedisplay area is not so wide due to problems of costs and an electricpower consumption. Even if a display unit having a relatively largedisplay area is used at the sacrifice of the costs or the like, anamount of information to be displayed in the limited display area isincreasing due to the realization of multifunctions of the recent imageforming apparatus, so that an amount of information which can bedisplayed is limited as compared with the amount of information to bedisplayed.

In an image forming apparatus to which an application can be downloadedand added, for example, there are the following problems such thatbuttons (select keys) to select a plurality of applications aredisplayed on one operation display screen, the number of applicationselect keys which can be added is fairly limited, it is necessary tominiaturize the existing buttons for selecting the applications inassociation with the addition of the applications, sufficientinformation to identify the applications cannot be displayed, and thelike.

Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus and the controlmethod for such an image forming apparatus, application modules on thefirst execution environment have been constructed in a manner such thatthey access a control module of the apparatus via the operation unit orprovide some information via a network, respectively, so that there is afurther problem of solving a problem such that the module which can usethe operation unit is only the application module on the first executionenvironment or the application module on the second executionenvironment, and an application which uses the operation unit cannot beformed on each execution environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is made in consideration of at least one of the aboveproblems. It is an object of the invention to provide a mechanism suchthat in a display unit of an image forming apparatus, a function fordisplaying can be flexibly changed in accordance with a change inprogram in the image forming apparatus so as to utilize the limiteddisplay unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism such that whena program is inputted into an image forming apparatus, a display screenfor selecting an application is automatically increased and the displayscreen is displayed so that it can be switched from an existing displayscreen.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism suchthat when a program in an image forming apparatus is deleted,unnecessary display screens are automatically collected and a simpledisplay screen which can be easily handled by the user is provided.

To solve at least one of the foregoing problems, the invention providesthe following means.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided animage forming apparatus having a display unit for displaying a programwhich can be executed in the apparatus so that it can be identified,comprising: input means for inputting a program into the image formingapparatus; display control means for controlling a process fordisplaying select keys including a plurality of select keys to instructa selection of a desired one of a plurality of programs which are storedin the image forming apparatus onto a display screen which is displayedon the display unit; and discriminating means for discriminating whetherthe select key to instruct a selection of the program inputted by theinput means can be further displayed onto a first display screen todisplay the select keys corresponding to the programs which have alreadybeen registered in the image forming apparatus in response to the inputof the program from the input means or not.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan image forming apparatus having a display unit for displaying aprogram which can be executed in the apparatus so that it can beidentified, comprising: deleting means for deleting the program from theimage forming apparatus; display control means for controlling a processfor displaying select keys including a plurality of select keys toinstruct a selection of a desired one of a plurality of programs whichare stored in the image forming apparatus onto a display screen of thedisplay unit and controlling a process for displaying, as displayscreens in the display unit, a first display screen to display a firstselect key which can instruct a selection of at least one of a pluralityof programs stored in the image forming apparatus and a second displayscreen which can be shifted from the first display screen and includes asecond select key which can instruct a selection of at least one of theplurality of programs; and discriminating means for discriminatingwhether the first select key and the second select key can be displayedas one display screen onto the display screen in the display unit inresponse to the deletion of the program in the image forming apparatusby the deleting means or not.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a copying apparatus,another image forming apparatus, and computers;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing an example of copying apparatusmain bodies 100 and 200 suitable for the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a core unit 10 of the hybrid apparatus 100as an example of the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation for calling a command by usingan interface of an API 303;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of an API 306;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen which isdisplayed on a display unit of an operation unit 500 of the imageforming apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen which isdisplayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 of the imageforming apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation display screen of anapplication management application 308 as a preferred example ofapplication managing means;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application download display screen ofthe application management application;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an application upload display screen of theapplication management application of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing application information which is managed bythe application management application;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart which is executed when the application managementapplication is downloaded;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of processes which are executed bya resource management unit 311;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen which is displayed justafter a scan application was newly activated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen which is displayed when anextending mode 2 key 1401 is selected;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a shift sequence of the display screenwhich is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a construction of the core unit 10 ofthe image forming apparatus;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an interface calling processin a virtual machine 305; and

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of processes which are executedafter an application additional routine was activated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred example of an embodiment of the invention will be describedhereinbelow with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a copying apparatus,another image forming apparatus, and computers. FIG. 1 shows relationsamong a copying apparatus and the like as preferred examples of imageforming apparatuses (image processing apparatuses) of the invention,information processing apparatuses (computers), and peripheralapparatuses. Each of image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 comprises areader unit 1, a printer unit 2, and a controller unit 3. The controllerunit 3 has therein a modem communication unit 6, a network processingunit 7, a PDL developing unit 8, and a core unit 10. A workstation or astandard personal computer (PC) can be used as a computer.

The reader unit 1 reads an image of an original set the image formingapparatus and outputs image data corresponding to the original image tothe printer unit 2 via the core unit 10. The printer unit 2 records animage corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 1 ontorecording paper.

Each of computers 11 and 12 is shown as an example of the informationprocessing apparatuses and is a personal computer or a workstation(PC/WS). Each of the computers 11 and 12 transmits PDL print data to thecore unit 10 via a network 4 and the network processing unit 7. The PDLdeveloping unit 8 develops the received PDL print data into image datawhich can be recorded by the printer unit 2. An image corresponding tothe image data is printed by the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a facsimile (FAX) apparatus. For example,the FAX apparatus 14 transmits the original image read by the readerunit 1 via a public line network 15, modem communication unit 6, andcore unit 10, or the FAX apparatus 14 receives image data from the othercomputer 12 via the public line network 15, modem communication unit 6,and core unit 10. The received image is printed by the printer unit 2(printer engine unit 2).

As an example of storing means of the information processing apparatusesof the invention, there are hard disks 30 and 36 in the computers 11 and12. Reference numerals 35 and 37 denote display apparatuses of thecomputers 11 and 12, for example, LCD displays. Reference numerals 31and 38 denote input devices such as keyboards of the computers 11 and12. The construction in FIG. 1 is shown as an example and the systemconstruction is not limited to it.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing an example of the copyingapparatus main bodies 100 and 200 suitable for the image formingapparatus according to the invention. As an example of the image formingapparatus, there is a printer, a scanner, or a facsimile. As an exampleof means for controlling the image forming apparatus, there is a methodwhereby a predetermined memory area in an HDD which the copyingapparatus has is provided as a box and image data in the box isprocessed. The image forming apparatus according to the invention ismainly constructed by the image forming apparatus main body (copyingapparatus main body) 100, a deck 150, and a recirculating automaticdocument feeder (RDF) 189.

The image forming apparatus main body 100 comprises: a platen glass 101;a scanner 102; scanning mirror 105 and 106; a lens 108; a CCD sensor(image sensor unit) 109; a photosensitive drum 110; a primary charger112; a preexposure lamp 114; a cleaning device 116; a transfer charger118; an exposure control unit 120; a developing unit 121; a transferbelt 130; an upper cassette 131; a lower cassette 132; pickup rollers133 and 134; paper feed rollers 135 and 136; a resist roller 137; anadsorption charger 138; a transfer belt roller 170; prefixing chargers139 and 140; a fixing unit 141; a paper ejection roller 142; a paperejection flapper 154; a reversal path 155; a paper refeed tray 156;multiple flapper 157; a conveyance path 158; a paper feed roller 159; apath 160; an ejection roller 161; a first feed roller 162; a second feedroller 162 a; and a reversal roller 163. The above construction will bedescribed in detail. The reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 mentioned abovecorresponds to a block comprising the platen glass 101 to the CCD sensor109 in FIG. 2. The printer unit 2 in FIG. 1 mentioned above correspondsto a block comprising the photosensitive drum 110 to the reversal roller163 in FIG. 2.

First, the reader unit 1 will be described hereinbelow. The platen glass101 is an original mounting base plate. The scanner 102 comprises anoriginal illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like.When the scanner 102 is reciprocated and scanned in a predetermineddirection by a motor (not shown), reflection light 107 of the originalis transmitted through the lens 108 via the scanning mirrors 104 to 106,thereby forming an image onto the CCD sensor 109. The image is convertedinto an electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The signal is A/Dconverted and shading-corrected by a scanner image processing unit (notshown) arranged near the CCD sensor 109. The resultant processed signalis stored as digital image data into a memory 324 via a gate array 326of the core unit 10, which will be explained hereinlater.

The printer unit 2 will be subsequently explained in detail. Theexposure control unit 120 is constructed by a laser beam generator, apolygon scanner, and the like. The digital image data stored in thememory 324 of the core unit 10 is read out from the memory. The gatearray 326 of the core unit 10, which will be explained hereinlater,converts the digital image data into a video signal and sends it to theprinter unit via an interface (I/F) 325. A laser beam 129 modulated onthe basis of the video signal is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum110. The primary charger 112, the developing unit 121, transfer charger118, cleaning device 116, and preexposure lamp 114 are arranged aroundthe photosensitive drum 110. In an image forming unit 126 around thephotosensitive drum 110 as a center, the photosensitive drum 110 isrotated in the direction shown by an arrow in the diagram by a motor(not shown). After the photosensitive drum was charged to a desiredelectric potential by the primary charger 112, the laser beam 129 fromthe exposure control unit 120 is irradiated onto the drum, so that anelectrostatic latent image is formed.

Transfer paper which has been picked up from the upper cassette 131 orthe lower cassette 132 and fed by the pickup roller 133 or 134 isconveyed to the apparatus main body by the paper feed roller 135 or 136.The paper is fed to the transfer belt by the resist roller 137. Thevisualized toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by thetransfer charger 118. The toner remaining on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 110 after the transfer is removed therefrom by thecleaning device 116, so that the drum surface is cleaned. Residualcharges on the drum surface are discharged by the preexposure lamp 114.The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transferbelt 130. The toner is charged again by the prefixing chargers 139 and140. Subsequently, the paper is sent to the fixing unit 141, fixed bypressure and heat, and ejected to the outside of the main body 100 bythe paper ejection roller 142.

The adsorption charger 138 allows the transfer paper sent from theresist roller 137 to be adsorbed to the transfer belt 130. The transferbelt roller 170 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and, at the sametime, allows the transfer paper to be adsorbed and charged onto thetransfer belt 130 in cooperation with the adsorption charger 138 as apair.

A deck 150 in which, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper can bestacked is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100. Alifter 151 of the deck 150 is elevated in accordance with a quantity oftransfer paper stacked in the deck so that the transfer paper is alwayscome into contact with a paper feed roller 152. A multi manual insertiontray 153 in which, for example, 100 sheets of transfer paper can bestacked is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100.

The paper ejection flapper 154 switches a path on the duplex recordingside or the multiple recording side and a path on the paper ejectionside. The transfer paper fed out from the paper ejection roller 142 isswitched to the path on the duplex recording side or the multiplerecording side by the paper ejection flapper 154. The multiple flapper157 switches the path on the duplex recording side or the path on themultiple recording side. By inclining the multiple flapper 157 to theleft, the transfer paper is directly guided to the conveyance path 158without passing through the reversal path 155. The paper feed roller 159feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 side via thepath 160.

The ejection roller 161 is arranged near the paper ejection flapper 154and ejects the transfer paper switched to the ejection side by the paperejection flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus.

In the duplex recording (duplex copy) mode, the paper ejection flapper154 is lifted upward, the multiple flapper 157 is inclined to the right,and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is reversed by the reversalpath 155. After that, the multiple flapper 157 is inclined to the leftand the transfer paper is stacked onto the paper refeed tray 156 in aupside-down state via the conveyance path 158. In the multiple recording(multiple copy) mode, the paper ejection flapper 154 is lifted upward,the multiple flapper 157 is inclined to the left, the recorded (copied)transfer paper is fed via the conveyance path 158, and thereafter, thetransfer paper is stacked onto the paper refeed tray 156. The sheets oftransfer paper stacked on the paper refeed tray 156 are picked up one byone from the bottom and guided to the resist roller 137 of the main bodyby the paper feed roller 159 along the path 160.

When the transfer paper is reversed and ejected from the main body, thepaper ejection flapper 154 is lifted upward, the multiple flapper 157 isinclined to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer paper isconveyed to the conveyance path 158 side. After a rear edge of thetransfer paper passes the first feed roller 162, the transfer paper isconveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reversal roller163. The transfer paper is turned over and ejected to the outside of theapparatus by the ejection roller 161. The transfer paper ejected to theoutside of the apparatus is conveyed to a finisher 190.

The finisher 190 is used to stack the transfer paper printed in theimage forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 193 denotes a path toreceive the transfer paper printed in the image forming apparatus 100. Aroller 197 is used to feed the transfer paper conveyed from the path 193onto a path 195 or 196. To feed the paper to the path 195, a paperejection flapper 194 is moved downward. To feed the paper to the path196, the paper ejection flapper 194 is moved upward. When the transferpaper passes through the path 196, it is ejected onto a bin 192 by aroller 198. When the path 195 is selected, the transfer paper is ejectedonto the bin 192 as it is. For example, if the copy is performed, thetransfer paper is ejected onto a bin 191. If the PDL print is performed,the transfer paper is ejected onto the bin 192. Thus, convenience forthe user is improved.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a construction of the core unit 10 ofthe image forming apparatus according to the invention. The core unit 10comprises: interface units 1701, 1706, 1707, and 1708; data processingunits 1702 and 1705; a CPU 1703 (each control means); and a memory 1704(storing means).

The above construction will be described in detail. The image data fromthe reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 1702 viathe I/F 1706. The data processing unit 1702 executes image processessuch as rotating process, zooming process, or the like of an image. Theimage data transferred to the data processing unit 1702 is accumulatedas digital image data into the memory 1704 via the CPU 1703. The imagedata is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the CPU 1703, dataprocessing unit 1705, and I/F 1708 in accordance with a control commandwhich is generated from the operation unit 500 as a preferred example ofthe display unit of the invention, or the image data is transferred tothe modem communication unit 6 and the network processing unit 7 via theI/F unit 1701. The operation unit 500 is constructed by using, forexample, a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel has a functionof a touch pad. When the operator (user) touches this panel, a keycorresponding to a predetermined command or setting can be selected.

Code data indicative of the image inputted via the network processingunit 7 is transferred to the CPU 1703 via the I/F unit 1701. If the CPUdetermines that the transferred code data is a PDL code, the PDL code istransferred to the PDL developing unit 8 via the I/F unit 1701 anddeveloped into image bit map data here. The image bit map data isaccumulated into the memory 1704 via the I/F unit 1701 and CPU 1703.After that, the data is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the CPU1703, data processing unit 1705, and I/F unit 1708 and printed.

FAX image data from the modem communication unit 6 is transferred to thedata processing unit 1705 via the I/F unit 1701 and CPU 1703 and,thereafter, it is transferred to the printer via the I/F unit 1708.

The CPU 1703 makes the control as mentioned above in accordance with acontrol program stored in the memory 1704 and the control commandreceived from the operation unit 500 via the I/F unit 1707. The memory1704 is also used as a work area of the CPU 1703. As mentioned above, inthe image forming apparatus, processes in which functions such asreading of the original image, print of the image,transmission/reception of the image, storage of the image, input/outputof the data to/from the computer, and the like are combined can beexecuted by the core unit 10 of image input/output control unit 3 as acenter. The interface unit (I/F unit) 1701 as a preferred example of theinput means of the invention can download various applications andcontrol programs from a server or another image forming apparatus on anexternal network and store them into the memory 1704. There is adetachable memory slot (not shown) as a preferred example of other inputmeans. Programs can be also downloaded from a portable memory mediumsuch as flexible disk, IC card, DVD, CD-ROM, or the like connected tothe memory slot besides the network and stored into the memory 1704.

FIG. 3 is a software structure diagram 300 stored in the core unit 10 ofthe hybrid apparatus 100 as an example of the image forming apparatus ofthe invention.

Reference numeral 301 denotes an example of a first executionenvironment of the invention to control the whole image formingapparatus. Generally, the first execution environment 301 is each moduleof a real-time OS which can control various functions of a copyingapparatus in a real-time manner or a library group which can instructthe CPU to critically control various functions including optionaldevices and an extension card of the copying apparatus. The firstexecution environment is realized by a module group for providinginterface commands to the application which operates at an upper levelof them. Reference numeral 302 denotes a controller control unit whichoperates on the first execution environment 301. It is assumed that thecontroller control unit 302 is constructed by modules for controllingthe reader unit 1, printer unit 2, modem communication unit 6, PDLdeveloping unit 8, and the like.

Reference numeral 303 denotes an application programming interface(hereinafter, referred to as an API). The application programming I/F303 has a function for executing a process to access the controllercontrol unit 302 by this interface and a function for transmittingcontrol commands to the hybrid apparatus 200 or the like via the networkprocessing unit 7 and the network 4 in response to a command train fromthe applications. Reference numeral 304 denotes an application whichoperates on the first execution environment 301. The application 304 canrequest the controller control unit 302 to execute various processes byusing the API 303. The application 304 can also communicate with thecomputers (information processing apparatuses) 11, 12, and 20 on thenetwork 4 via the network processing unit.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a second execution environment which isoptimum to execute a specific application. For example, it is realizedby a virtual machine or the like of Java (registered trademark).Reference numeral 306 denotes an API for allowing the application on thesecond execution environment 305 of the invention to access thecontroller control unit 302 which operates on the real-time OS 301 as afirst execution environment. In the embodiment, the API 306 has afunction of a conversion module to call the API 303 and a function fortransmitting the control command to the image forming apparatus 200 orthe like via the network processing unit 7 and the network 4.

Reference numeral 307 denotes a framework module having a function forintegratedly controlling the application on the second executionenvironment 305. Reference numeral 308 denotes an application formanaging other application on the second execution environment 305 ofthe invention. The application management application 308 executesdownload, upload, deletion, and invalidation of applications 309 and310, which will be explained hereinlater, in cooperation with theframework module 307.

Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote the applications which operate onthe second execution environment 305. The applications 309 and 310request the controller control unit 302 to execute various processes byusing the API 306 and can also communicate with the informationprocessing apparatuses 11, 12, and 20 on the network 4 via the networkprocessing unit 7.

Reference numeral 311 denotes a resource management unit for managingresources which are used by the second execution environment 305 of theinvention. The resource management unit 311 operates on the real-time OS301 for realizing the first execution environment. When the virtualmachine 305 itself for realizing the second execution environment, theAPI 306, the framework module 307, or all applications on the OS 305 usethe resources such as a memory and the like, the resource managementunit 311 limits the resources so that the resources of a predeterminedamount or more cannot be used.

First, the API 303 will be explained. The API 303 is a set of interfaceson the real-time OS 301 respectively corresponding to a plurality ofcontrol commands for accessing the controller control unit 302 which iscontrolled by the real-time OS 301 as a first execution environment.Each of the interfaces corresponding to the control commands hasparameters to designate a target apparatus for executing the controlcommand and the controller control unit 302 in the same apparatus and,further, the controller control unit 302 of the image forming apparatus200 connected by the network 4 can be designated as targets ofdesignation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the calling operation of the interface ofthe API 303. As an API 303, for example, hitherto, in the case where thereal-time OS has solely been implemented in the image forming apparatus,there are an interface group or the like according to a printingprotocol which can finely control the operation of the image formingapparatus on the real-time OS. In this example, the API 303 is a librarygroup for realizing a network printing protocol.

In the embodiment, it is assumed that an interface A corresponding to acontrol command A has been called. Although it is assumed here that thecommand and the interface can be called in a one-to-one correspondencerelational manner, it is also possible that a plurality of simplecommands are combined and regarded as one new command and it is made tocorrespond to the interface A. A control application 304-1 calls theinterface A of the API 303 (401). An identifier indicative of the imageforming apparatus serving as a processing target can be added to theinterface A. The API 303 interprets the identifier added to theinterface A. If it is determined that the apparatus shown by theidentifier is the image forming apparatus itself provided with the API303, the API 303 executes the command A for the controller control unit302 and executes the corresponding process in 402. If it is determinedthat the control target of the command is other than the apparatus (theimage forming apparatus 200) on the basis of the similar identificationinformation, the API 303 transmits data in a packet format correspondingto the relevant command of the network 4 via the network processing unit7 in 403. The network processing unit 7 (obtaining means) of the imageforming apparatus 200 obtains the command from the data in the packetformat and sends the data of the command A to a communicationapplication 304-2 in 404. The communication application 304-2 recognizesthe interface A corresponding to the command A and calls the interface Aof the API 303 for the controller control unit 302 as a target in theapparatus in 405.

At this time, the interface A called in 401 and the interface A calledin 405 are the same. Since the target of the command exists in theapparatus, the API 303 executes the process corresponding to the commandA for the controller control unit 302 in 406. At this time, the processcorresponding to the command in 402 and the process corresponding to thecommand in 406 are the same.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the operation of the API 306. In theembodiment, it is assumed that the interface A has been called as aninterface corresponding to the command A for finally instructing theimage forming apparatus. Reference numeral 501 shows that a controlapplication 309-1 calls the interface A of the API 306. Portionsdifferent from FIG. 4 will be described in detail hereinbelow.

Each interface included in the API 306 is shown as a preferred exampleof commands in the second format of the invention. Each interfaceincluded in the API 303 is shown as a preferred example of commands inthe first format of the invention.

First, the API 306 will be described in detail. The API 306 is a set ofinterfaces on the second execution environment 305 and includes aninterface which can call the interfaces which are provided by the API303. Each of the interfaces corresponding to the commands of the API 306has parameters to designate a target apparatus for executing the controlcommand in a manner similar to the API 303 and the controller controlunit 302 in the same apparatus and, further, the controller control unit302 of the image forming apparatus 200 connected by the network 4 can bedesignated as targets of designation.

A case where the interface A which needs to be converted into the firstexecution environment and executed has been called is considered here.First, if the processing target in which the called interface A isactivated exists in the apparatus, the interface of the API 306 iscalled. When the interface of the API 306 is called, the interface ofthe API 303 which can be interpreted by the real-time OS 301 isactivated and called. When it is called, the interface of the APIactivates the process corresponding to the command A (502). The API 303executes the process corresponding to the command to the controllercontrol unit 302 (503). If the target of the command is out of theapparatus (for example, the image forming apparatus 200), a packet onthe network 4 corresponding to the command is transmitted via thenetwork processing unit 7 (504). The network processing unit 7 of theimage forming apparatus 200 receives the transmitted packet and sendsthe packet data corresponding to the command A to the communicationapplication 304-2 in 505. The communication application 304-2 calls theinterface A of the API 303 for the controller control unit 302 in theapparatus in 506. At this time, the interface A called in 502 and theinterface A called in 506 are the same.

In this manner, the API 306 as an interface group which does not dependon each of a difference regarding whether the function to be operatedexists in the image forming apparatus or in another image formingapparatus, a difference of the architecture of the apparatuses, and adifference of the OSs can be provided. By utilizing the API 306, merelyby learning the system of the API 306 of the execution environment 2,various applications can be developed. Further, since the mechanism suchthat the API 303 can be called and utilized without an overhead isprovided, when the various functions of the image forming apparatus arecontrolled, if the API 303 as a resource which has already beendeveloped exists, it can be utilized.

Since the target of the command exists in the apparatus, the API 306executes the process corresponding to the command A for the controllercontrol unit 302 in 507. At this time, naturally, the processcorresponding to the command in 503 and the process corresponding to thecommand in 507 are the same. Naturally, the processes in 404 to 406 andthe processes in 505 to 507 are the same and the operation which isexecuted in the case of using the API 303 and the operation which isexecuted in the case of using the API 306 are the same.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the interface calling processin the virtual machine 305. First, when the application is activated onthe virtual machine 305 as a second execution environment and a certaininterface is called by an input from the outside of the apparatus, aninstruction from the operation unit, or the like, a processing routineof FIG. 18 is started. In step S1801, the called interface is read intothe virtual machine 305 and recognized. In step S1802, the virtualmachine 305 discriminates whether the recognized interface is a nativemethod as a preferred example of a predetermined command in the secondformat which can be interpreted in the second execution environment ornot. The native method is a method for calling the command in the firstformat of the invention and it can be interpreted and executed by thereal-time OS 301 as an example of the first execution environment. Ifthe virtual machine 305 determines that the called interface is not thenative method, it is decided that a normal method has been read, so thatit calls the interface by activating the normal method (S1803).According to the normal method, a predetermined application process isexecuted (S1804) and executes a process for finishing the normal method(S1805). The processing routine is finished. If it is determined inS1802 that the command recognized by the virtual machine 305 in S1801indicates the native method, S1806 follows. The virtual machine 305executes a native method activating process (S1806) and calls an enginecontrol program as a preferred example of a command train in the firstformat (it is activated and executed) (S1807). Although “the enginecontrol program which can control the engine unit is called” has beenmentioned above, this means that a printer control command is called viathe interface included in the API 303 in FIG. 5 and it corresponds tothe portion 503 in FIG. 5. A process for controlling the printer isexecuted in S1808. A process for finishing the native method is executedin S1809. The processing routine of FIG. 18 is finished.

Although “the engine unit is controlled” has been mentioned above, if avideo controller unit, a DC controller unit, and a network board areprovided as well as various controllers for controlling the engine unit,the control program which is executed in the first execution environmentincludes a control command for controlling a network board unit andstorage contents of a memory in an HDD in the image forming apparatus.

As an application for calling the normal method process, for example,there is an application module for realizing a program in which acritical response is unnecessary, for example, a graphical userinterface of an operation panel of a copying apparatus or a printer bysoftware. As a case of calling the native method, there is a case wherethe printer engine control program calls a process which controls theengine control unit (engine unit) of the copying apparatus, the printer,or the like and in which the critical response is necessary from theapplication via a native method interface of, for example, Java(registered trademark).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen which isdisplayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 (refer toFIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. Thisdisplay screen is displayed to select and execute the application whichis executed on the real-time OS 301 as an example of the first executionenvironment of the invention. This display screen is a touch panel andwhen the operator (the user) touches a portion in a frame of eachfunction displayed on the touch panel, this function is executed.

A copy mode key 623 is a key which is pressed in the case of executingthe copying operation. When the copy mode key 623 is pressed, a displayscreen of a copy mode shown at 630 in FIG. 6 is displayed.

When an extending function key 601 is pressed, the apparatus enters amode for setting a duplex copy, a multicopy, movement, a binding margin,frame trimming, or the like.

When an image mode key 602 is pressed, the apparatus enters a settingmode to execute a special process such as meshing, shadowing, trimming,or masking to a copy image.

When a user mode key 603 is pressed, a mode memory can be registered anda default mode display screen can be set.

When an application zoom key 604 is pressed, the apparatus enters a modefor independently zooming an original image in the X and Y directionsand a mode for a zoom program to calculate a zoom ratio on the basis ofa size of original and a copy size. An M1 key 605, an M2 key 606, or anM3 key 607 is pressed when the user calls a mode memory registeredtherein. An option key 609 is pressed to set an optional function suchas a film projector or the like in order to directly copy an image froma film.

A sorter key 610 is pressed when the user sets a sorting function, anon-sorting function, or a grouping function. An original mixture key611 is pressed when the user sets an original of the A4 size and anoriginal of the A3 size or an original of the B5 size and an original ofthe B4 size together onto an original feeder. A direct copy key 612 ispressed to set a copy magnification to 100%. A sheet select key 613 ispressed to select a copy sheet. A reduce key 614 or an enlarge key 615is pressed to execute a reducing or enlarging process of a regular size.Concentration keys 618 and 620 are used to adjust concentration uponcopying. An original image is copied lightly each time the key 618 ispressed and it is copied densely each time the key 620 is pressed. Aconcentration indicator 617 is provided to indicate a degree of copyconcentration. When the concentration key 618 is pressed, a mark of theindicator 617 is moved to the left and when the concentration key 620 ispressed, the mark is moved to the right. An AE key 619 is pressed whenthe user wants to copy an original such as a newspaper whose texture isdense in an automatic concentration control mode.

A HiFi key 621 is pressed when the user wants to copy an original suchas a photograph original in which halftone concentration is dense. Acharacter emphasis key 622 is pressed when the user wants to emphasizecharacters when a character original is copied. A sending mode key 624is pressed when the user makes facsimile transmission or the like. A boxmode key 625 is pressed to operate data stored in a box. Each of thecopy mode key 623, sending mode key 624, and box mode key 625corresponds to the operation to select the application 304 which isexecuted on the OS 301.

An extending mode key 626 is a mode key of the invention and pressed toshift the display screen to a display screen (FIG. 7) for selecting andexecuting the application which is executed on the second executionenvironment 305 of the invention. Although it is displayed in a mannersimilar to the case of selecting another mode key in the embodiment,such a display screen can be also displayed so as to be more easily andvisually recognized by modifying a size or a design of the key or thelike.

A status line 640 displays a message showing a status of the apparatusor print information. In the case of the diagram, it indicates that thecopying operation is being executed (during copy). A history key 650 ispressed to display history information of a printed job. For example,information such as end time of a print job, user name, file name, thenumber of print copies, and the like is displayed.

When the copy mode display screen 630 is displayed, if the execution ofthe copying operation is instructed by a start key (not shown) or thelike, interfaces for performing the start of the process the setting ofvarious parameters, and the like to the API 303 are sequentially called(401). Ordinarily, since the copying operation is instructed into theapparatus, in the API 303, a command is sent to the controller controlunit 302 (402), so that the copying operation is executed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen which isdisplayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 of the imageforming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. This display screen is used to selectand execute the application which is executed on the second executionenvironment 305 of the invention. This display screen is a touch paneland when the operator (the user) touches a portion in a frame of eachfunction displayed on the touch panel, this function is executed. Asimple copy mode key 730 is pressed to execute the copying operation. Bypressing the simple copy mode key 730, a simple copy display screenshown at 740 in FIG. 7 is displayed.

Reference numeral 701 denotes a display screen corresponding to apresent set item. Reference numeral 702 denotes a list display fordisplaying a list of contents of the present set item and contents ofset items. The present set item is displayed in an emphasis display formor the like so that it can be visually and easily recognized. In theembodiment, such an emphasis display is realized by displaying thepresent set item by bold characters. However, a method for the emphasisdisplay is not particularly limited to it but an arbitrary method can beused so long as the selected item can be easily identified. Referencenumeral 703 denotes present set contents of the number of copies and 704indicates present set contents of the sheet.

Reference numeral 705 denotes present set contents of the Nup copy mode;706 present set contents of the duplex copy mode; 707 present setcontents of the sorting mode; 708 present set contents of the staplingmode; and 709 a button which is pressed when the user wants to returnthe set contents to the previous set contents. The display screen 701 isdisplayed again so as to show the contents corresponding to the setitems. In the embodiment, it is also possible to construct the displayscreen in a manner such that if the corresponding item does not exist,the button itself is not displayed. A button 710 is pressed when theuser wants to advance the set contents to the next set contents. Thedisplay screen 701 is displayed again so as to show the contentscorresponding to the set items. In a status line 720, a message showingthe status of the apparatus or the print information is displayed. Inthe case of the diagram, it indicates that the copying operation isbeing executed (during copy).

An App2 mode key 731 or an App3 mode key 732 is pressed to select theapplication corresponding thereto. An original mode key 734 is a modekey according to the invention and is used to shift the display screento the display screen (FIG. 6) to select and execute the applicationwhich is executed on the real-time OS 301 as an example of the firstexecution environment of the invention. Although it is displayed in amanner similar to the case of selecting another mode key in theembodiment, such a display screen can be also displayed so as to be moreeasily and visually recognized by modifying the size or design of thekey or the like. When the simple copy mode key 730 is displayed, if theexecution of the copying operation is instructed by the start key (notshown) or the like, interfaces for performing the start of the process,the setting of various parameters, and the like to the API 306 aresequentially called (501). Ordinarily, since the copying operation isinstructed into the apparatus, the corresponding interface in the API303 is called (502). The API 303 sends a command to the controllercontrol unit 302 in the apparatus (503), so that the copying operationis executed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing application information which is managed bythe application management application. When an application, which willbe explained hereinlater, is downloaded, each information is stored andwhen the stored information is erased, it is deleted. Reference numeral1101 denotes an application name downloaded at present.

Reference numeral 1102 denotes a present status of the application. InFIG. 11, “activate” denotes that the application is being executed atpresent and “stop” denotes that the application is not executed.Reference numeral 1103 denotes a version of the application; 1104date/time of the execution of the downloading process; 1105 a storagedestination of the downloaded application; and 1106 a type ofapplication. In the diagram, “general” indicates the application whichis ordinarily used and “system” indicates the application which is usedfor a special object.

Reference numeral 1107 denotes a UI, that is, whether something isdisplayed to the operation unit or not and “yes” denotes that it isdisplayed; 1108 a version of the framework module 307 necessary forexecuting the application; and 1109 a version of the API 306 necessaryfor executing the application. The information which is held asapplication information is not limited to the above-mentionedinformation but information or the like of the information processingapparatus on the downloading source side can be also stored.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation display screen of theapplication management application 308 as a preferred example ofapplication managing means of the invention. In the embodiment, since aremovable memory medium cannot be directly connected to the imageforming apparatus 100, it is assumed that the downloading process isexecuted from the storing device 30 or 36 of the information processingapparatus 11 or 12. Although the apparatus has been constructed in theembodiment in a manner such that the operator operates from theoperation unit 500 on the image forming apparatus 100, the applicationcan be also operated from the information processing apparatus 11 or 12on the network. Further, although the embodiment has been described withrespect to the case where the application managing module of theinvention has been embodied on the OS2, naturally, the invention can bealso applied to the case of embodying it on the OS1.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a list display for displaying a list ofthe applications which have already been downloaded. In the embodiment,a list of the applications of the application type 1106 shown in FIG. 11is generally displayed here. Reference numeral 802 denotes an itemshowing the name of the application and contents of the application name1101 are displayed here; and 803 an item showing the present status ofthe application and contents of the status 1102 are displayed here.

Reference numeral 804 denotes an item showing the version of theapplication and contents of the version 1103 are displayed here; 805 anitem showing the date/time when the application has been downloaded andcontents of the date/time 1104 are displayed here; and 806 a downloadbutton which is selected when a new application is downloaded. After itis selected, the display screen is shifted to a download display screen(FIG. 9), which will be explained hereinlater. Reference numeral 807denotes an upload button. By selecting a desired application from thelist of the applications and selecting the upload button, the downloadedapplication is uploaded into a predetermined information processingapparatus. After it is selected, the display screen is shifted to anupload display screen (FIG. 10), which will be explained hereinlater.

Reference numeral 808 denotes a delete button which is selected todelete the application. By selecting a desired application from the listof the applications and selecting the delete button, the application isdeleted from the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 809denotes an application activate button according to the invention. Byinstructing the framework module 307 to activate a predeterminedapplication, the application in a stop state is activated.

Reference numeral 810 denotes an application stop button according tothe invention. By instructing the framework module 307 to stop apredetermined application, the application in an activating state isstopped.

Reference numeral 820 denotes a mode key to select the applicationmanagement application according to the invention.

Reference numeral 821 denotes a simple copy mode key shown in FIG. 7;822 an App3 mode key; and 830 a status line to display a message showingthe status of the apparatus or the print information. In the case of thediagram, it indicates that the copying operation is being executed(during copy). The contents which are displayed in the application list801 are not particularly limited to those shown in the embodiment. Adisplay order and a display method are not particularly limited.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application download display screen ofthe application management application. In the embodiment, since aremovable memory medium cannot be directly connected to the imageforming apparatus 100, it is assumed that the uploading process isexecuted to the storing device 30 or 36 of the information processingapparatus 11 or 12. Although the apparatus has been constructed in theembodiment in a manner such that the operator operates from theoperation unit 500 on the image forming apparatus 100, the applicationcan be also operated from the information processing apparatus 11 or 12on the network.

Reference numeral 901 denotes an input, field to designate theapplication to be downloaded. In the embodiment, it is assumed that apredetermined application is downloaded from the information processingapparatus 11 connected by the network 4. Reference numeral 902 denotes abutton to interrupt the process shown on the display screen and shiftthe present display screen to the display screen of FIG. 8. Referencenumeral 903 denotes a button to instruct the start of the downloading.By pressing the button 903, processes shown in a flowchart (FIG. 12),which will be explained hereinlater, are executed.

A method of designating the application to be downloaded is notparticularly limited to the method shown in the embodiment. Theapparatus can be also constructed in a manner such that the informationprocessing apparatuses 11, 12, and 20 and the like on the network 4 arevisually arranged, the contents of the storing device 30 or 36 in eachinformation processing apparatus are visually displayed, and the targetto be downloaded can be selected.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart which is executed when the applicationmanagement application is downloaded. In step S1201, whether theinformation which can be downloaded exists in a predetermined positionof the information processing apparatus 11 or not is discriminated fromdata inputted into the input field 901. If OK in step S1201, step S1202follows. If NG, the processing routine is finished.

In step S1202, a storage destination (location) to store the downloadeddata is formed. The stored storage destination is stored into apredetermined area in the memory 1704. In step S1203, the data isdownloaded. The predetermined data in the information processingapparatus 11 is downloaded in the field formed in step S1202. The datato be downloaded can be compressed by some means or a plurality of filescan be downloaded.

In step S1204, a part of the downloaded data is analyzed and a versionof the framework module 307 in the information necessary for executingthe downloaded application is discriminated. If OK in step S1204, stepS1205 follows. If NG, step S1207 follows. In step S1205, a part of thedownloaded data is analyzed and a version of the API 306 in theinformation necessary for executing the downloaded application isdiscriminated. If OK in step S1205, step S1206 follows. If NG, stepS1207 follows.

In step S1206, the downloaded data is registered as an application whichcan be operated into the application information in FIG. 11.

In step S1207, the downloaded data is deleted from the memory 1704because it is determined that the downloaded data is the applicationwhich cannot be operated.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an application upload display screen of theapplication management application. Reference numeral 1001 denotes afield showing the application to be uploaded. The application selectedin FIG. 8 is displayed. Reference numeral 1002 denotes an input field todesignate the information processing apparatus on the upload destinationside. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the application is uploadedin a predetermined location in the information processing apparatus 12connected to the network 4.

Reference numeral 1003 denotes a button to interrupt the process shownon the display screen and shift the present display screen to thedisplay screen of FIG. 8. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a button toinstruct the start of the uploading. After the upload destinationdesignated in the input field 1002 was confirmed, all contentsdownloaded in downloading step S1203 in FIG. 12 are uploaded. Adesignating method of the information processing apparatus on the uploaddestination side is not particularly limited to the method shown in theembodiment. The apparatus can be also constructed in a manner such thatthe information processing apparatuses 11, 12, and 20 and the like onthe network 4 are visually arranged, the contents of the storing device30 or 36 in each information processing apparatus are visuallydisplayed, and the upload destination can be selected.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of processes which are executed bythe resource management unit 311 as a preferred example of the resourcemanaging means of the invention.

In step S1301, a memory obtaining request has been made via the OS 305or not is discriminated. If YES, step S1302 follows. If NO, step S1304follows. In step S1302, a size in which the sum of the memory obtainingrequests made so far via the OS 305 is added to a memory size requestedthis time has reached a predetermined available upper limit value or notis discriminated. If NO, step S1303 follows. If YES, the processingroutine is finished as an error status.

In step S1303, the memory size requested this time is added to the sumof the memory obtaining requests made so far via the OS 305 and arequested memory area is allocated. In step S1304, whether a memoryrelease request has been made or not is discriminated. If YES, stepS1305 follows. If NO, step S1306 follows. In step S1305, the memory sizecorresponding to the number of times of the release request this time issubtracted from the sum of the memory obtaining requests made so far viathe OS 305 and the allocated memory area is released.

In step S1306, whether a sled forming request has been made or not isdiscriminated. If YES, step S1307 follows. If NO, step S1309 follows. Instep S1307, whether the number in which the number of times of the sledforming process performed so far via the OS 305 and the present requestare added has reached a predetermined available upper limit value or notis discriminated. If NO, step S1308 follows. If YES, the processingroutine is finished as an error status.

In step S1308, the present request is added to the sum of the number oftimes of the sled forming process performed so far via the OS 305 and asled is formed.

In step S1309, a sled release request has been made or not isdiscriminated. If YES, step S1310 follows. If NO, step S1311 follows. Instep S1310, the number of sleds corresponding to the present releaserequest is subtracted from the number of sleds formed so far via the OS305 and the allocated sled is released. In step S1311, other process isexecuted. Although only a memory use amount and the number of formedsleds have been mentioned in the embodiment, the invention can beapplied to a resource such as the number of sockets or the like whichare used to communicate in the network processing unit 7.

Other embodiments of the invention will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, and 16.

As shown in the application list 801 in FIG. 8, the number ofapplications which can be downloaded or activated in the firstembodiment of the invention can be set to be larger than the number ofmode keys 730, 731, and 732 shown in FIG. 7.

The second embodiment of the invention corresponds to such a situationas mentioned above.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen which is displayed justafter a scan application was newly activated in FIG. 8. An extendingmode 2 key 1401 is a mode key as an example of the select keys of theinvention. This key is pressed to shift the display screen to anotherdisplay screen (FIG. 15) to select and execute the application which isexecuted on the second execution environment 305 of the invention.Although it is displayed in a manner similar to the case of selectinganother mode key in the embodiment, such a display screen can be alsodisplayed so as to be more easily and visually recognized by modifying asize or a design of the key or the like.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen which is displayed whenthe extending mode 2 key 1401 is selected. An original mode key 1501 isa mode key as an example of the select keys of the invention. This keyis pressed to shift the display screen to the display screen (FIG. 6) toselect and execute the application which is executed on the real-time OS301 as an example of the first execution environment of the invention.The function of this mode key is the same as that of the mode key 734 inthe foregoing embodiment. Although it is displayed in a manner similarto the case of selecting another mode key in the embodiment, such adisplay screen can be also displayed so as to be more easily andvisually recognized by modifying a size or a design of the key or thelike.

When a scan application is stopped or deleted on the operation displayscreen of FIG. 14, the display screen is returned to the display screenof the mode keys of FIG. 8. That is, since only up to four select keysincluding a shift key are displayed on one display screen, if the scanapplication is added and activated in the state shown in FIG. 8, theoperation display screen is as shown in FIG. 14 and the extending mode 2key 1401 appears. By pressing the extending mode key, the display screenis shifted to the display screen of FIG. 15. If another program isfurther added in the state shown in FIG. 15, select keys furthersequentially appear in an upper portion (on the right neighboring sideof the scan key and on the left side of the original key) in FIG. 15 anda display screen (not shown) similar to that of FIG. 14 is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a shift sequence of the display screenswhich are displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.Although the case of performing a shift 1601 has been shown in thesecond embodiment of the invention, a mode key which enables the mode tobe shifted to the previous mode or the subsequent mode can be alsoprovided for each display screen as shown at 1.602. If the number ofoperation display screens is dynamically increased with an increase inthe number of applications which are activated, means for realizing sucha shift is not particularly limited.

Although the embodiment has been mentioned only with respect to the casewhere the number of applications on the OS2 side is increased,naturally, even when the number of applications on the OS1 side isincreased, the invention can similarly cope with such a case byproviding the original mode key, original 2 mode key, and the like.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of processes which are executedafter the activation of an application additional routine which isactivated in response to the download of the application or theregistration (input) of the application into the memory in the imageforming apparatus. For example, such an additional routine is activatedwhen the OK button is pressed in FIG. 8. It is now assumed that the scanprogram has newly been downloaded into the image forming apparatus. Instep S1901, the resource management unit newly adds the program into theimage forming apparatus and, further, discriminates whether a memoryarea enough to newly store a display screen is held in the image formingapparatus or not. If it is determined that the enough memory capacitydoes not exist, the processing routine advances to an error process instep S1910 and the processes are finished. If the resource managementunit determines that there is enough memory capacity, step S1902follows. In step S1902, a control application 9 (display control means)discriminates whether a function select key which is similar to eachselect key (820 to 823) shown in the upper portion of FIG. 8 and is usedto select a new application can be added to the present display screenor not. The present display screen is a display screen which is beingused at present or a display screen to newly add a select key which caninstruct the selection or execution of a new program if the new programhas been added. If it is determined in step S1902 that such a select keycan be newly added to the present display screen, step S1903 follows.Subsequently, the display control application 9 registers displaycontrol information into the memory in the image forming apparatus so asto display a display screen in which the new function select key hasbeen added to the present display screen and the processing routine isfinished. Subsequently, if it is determined in step S1902 that theselect key cannot be newly added to the present display screen, whetherthe new display screen (FIG. 15) which is displayed by switching thepresent display screen can be added or not is discriminated in stepS1904. In FIG. 8, assuming that the apparatus has been set so that fouror more select keys in total cannot be displayed, if the scan program isadded in FIG. 8 by using the display screen of FIG. 9 or the like, thedisplay control program registers it into the memory in the imageforming apparatus so that it can be called while making the displayscreens of FIGS. 14 and 15 be associated with each other.

If it is determined in step S1904 that there is no ID which is made tocorrespond to the display screen or the memory area is full and a newdisplay screen cannot be prepared, the error process is executed in stepS1910. If it is determined in step S1904 that the new display screenwhich is displayed by switching the present display screen can be added,the control application 9 forms display control information of the newdisplay screen and registers it into the memory in step S1905. In stepS1906, the control application 9 mutually calls the present displayscreen in step S1902 and the new display screen and makes themcorrespond to each other so that they can be shifted. Further, stepS1907 follows. In step S1907, the display control information (forexample, the display control information which displays FIG. 14) intothe memory so that the function select key (for example, the extendingmode 2 key 1401) to call the new display screen is newly displayed tothe present display screen in step S1902. Further, in step S1908, thedisplay control information is registered into the memory so that thefunction select key to instruct the selection of a new application isdisplayed onto the new display screen added in step S1905. In stepS1909, the present display screen in step S1902 is set to the addeddisplay screen to which no more function select key can be added and thenew display screen added in step S1905 is updated and registered as apresent display screen. The processing routine is finished.

It is also possible to construct the apparatus in a manner such that bya plurality of management applications implemented in the image formingapparatus, the program (the first application) on the real-time OS andthe program (the second application) on the virtual machine execute aprocess such that each application module is downloaded from the outsideof the image forming apparatus into the image forming apparatus oruploaded from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outsideof the image forming apparatus, or it is deleted or invalidated.

There is also a case where the management application deletes theapplication which can be executed on the virtual machine. For example, adisplay control program (discriminating means, display control means)displays the select key including a plurality of select keys to instructthe selection of a desired one of a plurality of programs stored in thecopying apparatus onto the display unit of the operation unit of thecopying apparatus. In response to the deletion of the program in thecopying apparatus, whether the select key corresponding to theapplication to be deleted and the key corresponding to the applicationwhich subsequently remains in the image forming apparatus can bedisplayed as one display screen onto the display screen of the displayunit or not is discriminated. For example, in the state of FIG. 14, whena delete button 1404 is pressed, the scan application is deleted. At thesame time, it is prevented that the extending mode 2 button is displayedon the display screen in FIG. 14. That is, the display control programregisters the display information which cannot call the display screen(the second display screen) in FIG. 15 from the display screen (thefirst display screen) in FIG. 14 into the memory.

In the API 303 and controller control unit 302 in FIG. 5, if theexclusive execution of the control command of the image formingapparatus is enabled, since the interfaces for controlling the imageforming apparatus are called from both of the first and second executionenvironments via the API 303, the application module in any of theexecution environments and the control module of the image formingapparatus can sequentially use the functions of the image formingapparatus. Thus, the image forming apparatus can be stably madeoperative.

Applications having equivalent ability can be developed and used in anyof the execution environments. A part of the control programs in whichimportance is attached to the performance can be also developed andexecuted in the first execution environment. In this manner, the usercan select either the first execution environment or the secondexecution environment in accordance with a request of specification suchas transplant performance, response speed, or the like. Further, sinceit is sufficient to merely add the identifiers to the interfaces and thehybrid apparatus discriminates them and allows a proper apparatus toautomatically execute the command, an affinity between the networkenvironment and the communication environment can be realized.

By constructing the apparatus so that the application module can bedownloaded, uploaded, deleted, or invalidated from/to an externalinterface of the image forming apparatus, the operability of the imageforming apparatus can be improved.

Further, by constructing the apparatus in a manner such that when anapplication is added, a version or the like is compared and ifconditions do not coincide, the application cannot be downloaded or thedownload fails, the reliability of the image forming apparatus can beimproved.

Other Embodiments

The processes shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 18, 19, and the like in theembodiment are executed by each of the image forming apparatuses 100 and200 in accordance with the programs which are installed from theoutside. In such a case, the invention can be applied to a case whereinformation group including the programs is supplied by a memory, mediumsuch as CD-ROM, flash memory, FD, or the like, from an external memorymedium via the network, or from an external computer.

Naturally, the objects of the invention are accomplished by a methodwhereby a memory medium in which program codes of software to realizethe functions of the embodiments mentioned above have been recorded issupplied to a system or an apparatus or such program codes aredownloaded from an external server (not shown) and a control unit (a CPUor an MPU) of the system or the apparatus reads out and executes theprogram codes stored in the memory medium.

In such a case, the program codes themselves read out from the memorymedium realize the novel functions of the invention and the memorymedium in which the program codes have been stored constructs theinvention. As a memory medium for supplying the program codes, forexample, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetoopticdisk, a DVD, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, aROM, an EEPROM, or the like can be used.

Naturally, the invention incorporates not only a case where the CPUexecutes the read-out program codes, so that the functions of theembodiments mentioned above are realized but also a case where an OS(Operating System) or the like which is operating on the image formingapparatus executes a part or all of actual processes on the basis ofinstructions of the program codes and the functions of the embodimentsmentioned above are realized by those processes. Further, naturally, theinvention incorporates a case where the program codes read out from thememory medium are written into a memory provided for a functionexpanding board inserted in the image forming apparatus or a functionexpanding unit connected to a computer and, thereafter, a CPU or thelike provided for the function expanding board or the function expandingunit executes a part or all of actual processes on the basis ofinstructions of the program codes and the functions of the embodimentsmentioned above are realized by those processes.

The invention is made in consideration of at least one of the foregoingproblems. According to the invention, in the display unit of the imageforming apparatus, the functions which are displayed can be flexiblychanged in accordance with a change in program in the image formingapparatus so as to utilize the limited display unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, when a program is inputtedinto the image forming apparatus, the display screen to automaticallyselect the application is added and displayed so that the existingdisplay screen can be replaced with it.

According to further another aspect of the invention, when the programsin the image forming apparatus are deleted, the unnecessary displayscreens are automatically combined and the simple display screen whichis easy for the user to use can be provided.

What is claimed is:
 1. An application management apparatus in which afirst application has been stored, comprising: a downloading unitconfigured to download at least one second application, different fromthe first application, from an external apparatus connected to theapplication management apparatus via a network; and a display unitconfigured to display a plurality of items, including: (a) the firstapplication, (b) a tab for accepting an instruction for shifting ascreen, (c) a list of downloaded second applications without displayingthe first application after the tab is activated by a user, (d) a buttonfor stopping one second application selected by the user from among thelist of downloaded second applications, and (e) a button for deletingthe selected one second application from the application managementapparatus, wherein the display unit concurrently displays items (c)-(e)and a current status of the application management apparatus on a samepanel of the application management apparatus.
 2. The applicationmanagement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unitfurther displays version information of the downloaded secondapplications.
 3. The application management apparatus according to claim1, wherein the display unit displays items (b) to (e) using a charactertrain indicating that the displayed items are related to applicationmanagement.
 4. A method carried out in an application managementapparatus in which a first application has been stored, the methodcomprising the steps of: downloading at least one second application,different from the first application, from an external apparatusconnected to the application management apparatus via a network; anddisplaying a plurality of items, including: (a) the first application,(b) a tab for accepting an instruction for shifting a screen, (c) a listof downloaded second applications without displaying the firstapplication after the tab is activated by a user, (d) a button forstopping one second application selected by the user from among the listof downloaded second applications, and (e) a button for deleting theselected one second application from the application managementapparatus, wherein items (c)-(e) are concurrently displayed with acurrent status of the application management apparatus on a same panelof the application management apparatus.
 5. The method according toclaim 4, wherein version information of the downloaded secondapplications are displayed in the displaying step.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 4, wherein items (b) to (e) are displayed in thedisplaying step using a character train indicating that the displayeditems are related to application management.
 7. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing a program causing a method tobe carried out in an application management apparatus in which a firstapplication has been stored, the method comprising the steps of:downloading at least one second application, different from the firstapplication, from an external apparatus connected to the applicationmanagement apparatus via a network; and displaying a plurality of items,including: (a) the first application, (b) a tab for accepting aninstruction for shifting a screen, (c) a list of downloaded secondapplications without displaying the first application after the tab isactivated by a user, (d) a button for stopping one second applicationselected by the user from among the list of downloaded secondapplications, and (e) a button for deleting the selected one secondapplication from the application management apparatus, wherein items(c)-(e) are concurrently displayed with a current status of theapplication management apparatus on a same panel of the applicationmanagement apparatus.
 8. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium according to claim 7, wherein version information of thedownloaded second applications are displayed in the displaying step. 9.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim7, wherein items (b) to (e) are displayed in the displaying step using acharacter train indicating that the displayed items are related toapplication management.